What You Need to Know about Futons in Japan

I’d always dreamed of sleeping on a traditional Japanese futon—not the Western-style sofa bed, but the real deal: a thick, cloud-like duvet sandwich laid directly on the floor. Every time I stayed at a ryokan (traditional inn), I’d sink into the blissful comfort of those cotton beds and vow to own one myself.

But when I shared my futon aspirations with friends in Japan, I was met with a chorus of warnings. They spoke of moisture problems and the need for regular maintenance, making a Western-style mattress sound much more appealing. And honestly, my mattress back in Canada was amazing. So comfortable! I loved collapsing into it after a long day. It’s not that I disliked Western mattresses… but I was in Japan! I wanted the full cultural experience. A futon felt like a rite of passage, and I was determined to satisfy my curiosity and learn the art of futon care firsthand. Besides, the Japanese have slept on them for centuries. How hard could it be?

Where We Bought Our Futons

Our initial search for futons began locally. We checked hardware and furniture stores, scoured Google Maps—nothing. So, we ventured to Oita City, the nearest larger city. We found two futon store locations listed online, but with only a street photo to guide us, our weekend trip to Oita became a bit of an adventure.

The first address led us to an apartment building—no store in sight. Strike one. The second location, however, was a winner! Tucked away in a shopping arcade, it was exactly what we were looking for.

The owner patiently explained our options before guiding us to the custom-made futon section. We could choose from a variety of fabrics, and the order would take up to two weeks. We were immediately drawn to the fabric of a display futon (pictured above, far right) and ordered two sets, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Two weeks later, the futons arrived! The store owner himself drove down to deliver them, and I was beyond excited. 

What to Buy for Your Futon

Now the real futon journey began. I knew weekly airing on a sunny day was essential to prevent moisture buildup, a routine I diligently tried to maintain, especially since it was still hot and dry in mid-September.

We hadn’t anticipated the firmness of the futon directly on the floor. Unlike the more forgiving tatami flooring, we could feel the hardness beneath us (especially Jesse who prefers a firmer mattress!). We eventually bought padded mats to place under the futons, which made a huge difference in comfort.

For the first month and a half, we loved our new beds. Spreading out the cost of the futons over a few months, especially with the other expenses of setting up a new apartment, was a real advantage. But our futon journey wasn’t over. We soon realized we’d need some platform to go between the mats and the floor to improve airflow. This became painfully obvious during the colder, more humid months of November.

The potential for moisture buildup had been mentioned, but the extent of it became clear one of those rare sunny November days. When I hung the futons out to dry, I discovered a sheen of moisture on the floor where they had been lying. And even worse, the underside of one of our mats was speckled with mold!

Thankfully, the mold hadn’t reached our futons. That very day, we rushed to the hardware store and found slatted platforms specifically designed for futons. We bought two.

After a week with our new system, the futons were noticeably drier. I’ve also been considering a futon dryer for the cooler months, but we’ll see how things go for now.

Futon vs. Western Bed: A Cost Comparison

In case you’re trying to decide between a futon and a Western-style bed, here’s a rough cost breakdown (for two people):

• Futons: ¥40,000 x 2 = ¥80,000
• Sheets: ¥12,000 x 2 = ¥24,000
• Padding Mats: ¥7,000 x 2 = ¥14,000
• Slatted Platforms: ¥11,000 x 2 = ¥22,000
• Total: ¥140,000

Western bed costs vary widely depending on size, frame, and mattress. A quick search on Nitori (a Japanese furniture store) shows double bed frames and mattresses ranging from ¥24,000 to ¥160,000 and up, without bedding.

Final Thoughts

Despite the unexpected challenges and extra costs, we don’t regret our futon purchase. I love how they look in our apartment, how comfortable they are to sleep on, and how they make our bedroom feel like a private ryokan. I even enjoy caring for them and appreciate the maintenance required to keep them in good condition. They’re an important part of my vision of life in Japan, and I’m happy to put in the effort to make them last.